Respiratory syncytial virus replication inhibitors

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns compounds of formula (I)  
                 
prodrugs, addition salts, or stereochemically isomeric forms thereof for use as, inter alia, respiratory syncytial virus replication inhibitors; their preparation, compositions containing them and methods of their use in treating respiratory syncytial viral infections.

The present invention is concerned with benzimidazoles and imidazopyridines having antiviral activity, in particular, they have an inhibitory activity on the replication of the respiratory syncytial virus. It further concerns their preparation and compositions comprising them, as well as their use as a medicine.

Human RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a large RNA virus, member of the family of Paramyxoviridae, subfamily pneumovirinae together with bovine RSV virus. Human RSV is responsible for a spectrum of respiratory tract diseases in people of all ages throughout the world. It is the major cause of lower respiratory tract illness during infancy and childhood. Over half of all infants encounter RSV in their first year of life, and almost all within their first two years. The infection in young children can cause lung damage that persists for years and may contribute to chronic lung disease in later life (chronic wheezing, asthma). Older children and adults often suffer from a (bad) common cold upon RSV infection. In old age, susceptibility again increases, and RSV has been implicated in a number of outbreaks of pneumonia in the aged resulting in significant mortality.

Infection with a virus from a given subgroup does not protect against a subsequent infection with an RSV isolate from the same subgroup in the following winter season. Re-infection with RSV is thus common, despite the existence of only two subtypes, A and B.

Today only three drugs have been approved for use against RSV infection. Ribavirin, a nucleoside analogue, provides an aerosol treatment for serious RSV infection in hospitalized children. The aerosol route of administration, the toxicity (risk of teratogenicity), the cost and the highly variable efficacy limit its use. The other two drugs, RespiGam® and palivizumab, polyclonal and monoclonal antibody immunostimulants, are intended to be used in a preventive way.

Other attempts to develop a safe and effective RSV vaccine have all met with failure thus far. Inactivated vaccines failed to protect against disease, and in fact in some cases enhanced disease during subsequent infection. Life attenuated vaccines have been tried with limited success. Clearly there is a need for an efficacious non-toxic and easy to administer drug against RSV replication.

EP-A-0,005,138, EP-A-0,099,139, EP-A-0,145,037, EP-A-0,144,101, EP-A-0,151,826, EP-A-0,151,824, EP-A-0,232,937, EP-A-0,295,742, EP 0,297,661, EP-A-0,307,014, WO 92 01697 describe benzimidazole and imidazopyridine substituted piperidine and piperazine derivatives as antihistaminics, antiallergics or serotonine antagonists.

The present invention concerns the compounds of formula (I)

their prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes and stereochemically isomeric forms wherein

-a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); —CH═N—CH═CH—  (a-3); —CH═CH—N═CH—  (a-4); or —CH═CH—CH═N—  (a-5);

-   -   wherein each hydrogen atom in the radicals (a-1), (a-2), (a-3),         (a-4) and (a-5) may optionally be replaced by halo, C₁₋₆alkyl,         nitro, amino, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl,         carboxyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)-aminoC₁₋₆alkyl,         C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, or a radical of formula     -   wherein =Z is ═O, ═CH—C(═O)—NR^(5a)R^(5b), ═CH₂,═CH—C₁₋₆alkyl,         ═N—OH or ═N—O—C₁₋₆alkyl;

Q is a radical of formula

-   -   wherein Alk is C₁₋₆alkanediyl;         -   Y¹ is a bivalent radical of formula —NR²— or —CH(NR²R⁴)—;         -   X¹ is NR⁴, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, O, CH₂, C(═O), C(═CH₂), CH(OH),             CH(CH₃), CH(OCH₃), CH(SCH₃), CH(NR^(5a)R^(5b)), CH₂—NR⁴ or             NR⁴—CH₂;         -   X² is a direct bond, CH₂, C(═O), NR⁴, C₁₋₄alkyl-NR⁴,             NR⁴—C₁₋₄alkyl;         -   t is 2, 3, 4 or 5;         -   u is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5;         -   v is 2 or 3; and     -   whereby each hydrogen atom in Alk and the carbocycles and the         heterocycles defined in radicals (b-3), (b4), (b-5), (b-6),         (b-7) and (b-8) may optionally be replaced by R³; with the         proviso that when R³ is hydroxy or C₁₋₆alkyloxy, then R³ can not         replace a hydrogen atom in the a position relative to a nitrogen         atom;

G is C₁₋₁₀alkanediyl substituted with one or more hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylthio, arylC₁₋₆alkylthio, HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy-(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—;

-   -   R¹ is a monocyclic heterocycle or aryl; said heterocycle being         selected from piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl,         pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, thienyl,         pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, isothiazolyl,         pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl; and each heterocycle may         optionally be substituted with 1 or where possible more, such as         2, 3 or 4, substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, amino,         cyano, carboxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylthio,         C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆alkyl, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy,         hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, mono-or         di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl,         C₁₋₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁₋₆alkyl-SO₂—NR^(5c)—,         aryl-SO₂—NR^(5c)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, —C(═O)—NR^(5c)R^(5d),         HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, halo(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—,         C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—         and mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—;

each n independently is 1, 2, 3 or 4;

R² is hydrogen, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, Hetcarbonyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl, C₃-₇cycloalkyl substituted with N(R⁶)₂, or C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with N(R⁶)₂ and optionally with a second, third or fourth substituent selected from amino, hydroxy, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₅alkanediyl, piperidinyl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonylamino, aryl and aryloxy;

R³ is hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, arylC₁₋₆alkyl or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy;

R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or arylC₁₋₆alkyl;

R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c) and R^(5d) each independently are hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl; or

-   -   R^(5a) and R^(5b), or R^(5c) and R^(5d) taken together form a         bivalent radical of formula —(CH₂)_(s)— wherein s is 4 or 5;

R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, formyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl;

aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1 or more, such as 2, 3 or 4, substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, and C₁₋₆alkyloxy;

Het is pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl.

The term prodrug as used throughout this text means the pharmacologically acceptable derivatives, e.g. esters and amides, such that the resulting biotransformation product of the derivative is the active drug as defined in the compounds of formula (I). The reference by Goodman and Gilman (The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8^(th) ed., McGraw-Hill, Int. Ed. 1992, “Biotransformation of Drugs”, p. 13-15) describing prodrugs generally, is hereby incorporated.

As used herein C₁₋₃alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl and the like; C₁₋₄alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as the group defined for C₁₋₃alkyl and butyl and the like; C₂₋₄alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl and the like; C₁₋₆alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as the groups defined for C₁₋₄alkyl and pentyl, hexyl, 2-methylbutyl and the like; C₁₋₉alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms such as the groups defined for C₁₋₆alkyl and heptyl, octyl, nonyl, 2-methylhexyl, 2-methylheptyl and the like; C₁₋₁₀alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms such as the groups defined for C₁₋₉alkyl and decyl, 2-methylnonyl and the like. C₃₋₇cycloalkyl is generic to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl; C₂₋₅alkanediyl defines bivalent straight and branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms such as, for example, 1,2-ethanediyl, 1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl, 1,2-propanediyl, 2,3-butanediyl, 1,5-pentanediyl and the like, C₂₋₅alkanediyl is substituted on C₁₋₁₀ alkyl as provided for in the definition of R², it is meant to be substituted on one carbon atom thus forming a spiro moiety; C₁₋₄alkanediyl defines bivalent straight and branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as, for example, methylene, 1,2-ethanediyl, 1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl and the like; C₁₋₆alkanediyl is meant to include C₁₋₄alkanediyl and the higher homologues thereof having from 5 to 6 carbon atoms such as, for example, 1,5-pentanediyl, 1,6-hexanediyl and the like; C₁₋₁₀ alkanediyl is meant to include C₁₋₆alkanediyl and the higher homologues thereof having from 7 to 10 carbon atoms such as, for example, 1,7-heptanediyl, 1,8-octanediyl, 1,9-nonanediyl, 1,10-decanediyl and the like.

As used herein before, the term (═O) forms a carbonyl moiety when attached to a carbon atom, a sulfoxide moiety when attached to a sulfur atom and a sulfonyl moiety when two of said terms are attached to a sulfur atom. The term (═N—OH) forms a hydroxylimine moiety when attached to a carbon atom.

The term halo is generic to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo. As used in the foregoing and hereinafter, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl as a group or part of a group is defined as mono- or polyhalosubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl, in particular methyl with one or more fluoro atoms, for example, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl. In case more than one halogen atoms are attached to an alkyl group within the definition of polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl, they may be the same or different.

When any variable (e.g. aryl, R², R³, R⁴, R^(5a), R^(5b) etc.) occurs more than one time in any constituent, each definition is independent.

It will be appreciated that some of the compounds of formula (I) and their prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes and stereochemically isomeric forms may contain one or more centers of chirality and exist as stereochemically isomeric forms.

The term “stereochemically isomeric forms” as used hereinbefore defines all the possible stereoisomeric forms which the compounds of formula (I), and their prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes or physiologically functional derivatives may possess. Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixture of all possible stereo-chemically isomeric forms, said mixtures containing all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure as well as each of the individual isomeric forms of formula (I) and their prodrugs, N-oxides, salts, solvates or quaternary amines substantially free, i.e. associated with less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, in particular less than 2% and most preferably less than 1% of the other isomers. Stereochemically isomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) are obviously intended to be embraced within the scope of this invention. As used hereinafter the terms R or S are well-known by the person skilled in the art

For some of the compounds of formula (I), their prodrugs, N-oxides, salts, solvates, quaternary amines, or metal complexes and the intermediates used in the preparation thereof, the absolute stereochemical configuration was not experimentally determined. In these cases the stereoisomeric form which was first isolated is designated as “A” and the second as “B”, without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration. However, said “A” and “B” stereoisomeric forms can be unambiguously characterized by for instance their optical rotation in case “A” and “B” have an enantiomeric relationship. A person skilled in the art is able to determine the absolute configuration of such compounds using art-known methods such as, for example, X-ray diffraction. In case “A” and “B” are stereoisomeric mixtures, they can be further separated whereby the respective first fractions isolated are designated “A1” and “B 1” and the second as “A2” and “B2”, without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration. For therapeutic use, salts of the compounds of formula (I) are those wherein the counterion is pharmaceutically acceptable. However, salts of acids and bases which are non-pharmaceutically acceptable may also find use, for example, in the preparation or purification of a pharmaceutically acceptable compound. All salts, whether pharmaceutically acceptable or not are included within the ambit of the present invention.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid and base addition salts as mentioned hereinabove are meant to comprise the therapeutically active non-toxic acid and base addition salt forms which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can conveniently be obtained by treating the base form with such appropriate acid. Appropriate acids comprise, for example, inorganic acids such as hydrohalic acids, e.g. hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric and the like acids; or organic acids such as, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxyacetic, lactic, pyruvic, oxalic (i.e. ethanedioic), malonic, succinic (i.e. butanedioic acid), maleic, fumaric, malic (i.e. hydroxybutanedioic acid), tartaric, citric, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, cyclamic, salicylic, p-aminosalicylic, pamoic and the like acids.

Conversely said salt forms can be converted by treatment with an appropriate base into the free base form.

The compounds of formula (I) containing an acidic proton may also be converted into their non-toxic metal or amine addition salt forms by treatment with appropriate organic and inorganic bases. Appropriate base salt forms comprise, for example, the ammonium salts, the alkali and earth alkaline metal salts, e.g. the lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium salts and the like, salts with organic bases, e.g. the benzathine, N-methyl-D-glucamine, hydrabamine salts, and salts with amino acids such as, for example, arginine, lysine and the like.

The term addition salt as used hereinabove also comprises the solvates which the compounds of formula (I) as well as the salts thereof, are able to form. Such solvates are for example hydrates, alcoholates and the like.

The term “quaternary amine” as used hereinbefore defines the quaternary ammonium salts which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form by reaction between a basic nitrogen of a compound of formula (I) and an appropriate quaternizing agent, such as, for example, an optionally substituted alkylhalide, arylhalide or arylalkylhalide, e.g. methyliodide or benzyliodide. Other reactants with good leaving groups may also be used, such as alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonates, alkyl methanesulfonates, and alkyl p-toluenesulfonates. A quaternary amine has a positively charged nitrogen.

Pharmaceutically acceptable counterions include chloro, bromo, iodo, trifluoroacetate and acetate. The counterion of choice can be introduced using ion exchange resins.

It will be appreciated that the compounds of formula (I) may have metal binding, chelating, complexating properties and therefore may exist as metal complexes or metal chelates. Such metalated derivatives of the compounds of formula (I) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Some of the compounds of formula (I) may also exist in their tautomeric form. Such forms although not explicitly indicated in the above formula are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

A special group of com pounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein one or more of the following restrictions apply:

Q is a radical of formula (b-1), (b-3), (b-4), (b-5), (b-6), (b-7) or (b-8);

X² is a direct bond, CH₂ or C(═O);

R² is hydrogen, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl substituted with NHR⁶, or C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with NHR⁶ and optionally with a second, third or fourth substituent selected from amino, hydroxy, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₅alkanediyl, piperidinyl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonylamino, aryl and aryloxy;

R³ is hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy or arylC₁₋₆alkyl;

R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl.

Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein one or more of the following restrictions apply:

-a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is a radical of formula (a-1) or (a-2);

R¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with halo, C₁₋₆alkyl or C₁₋₄alkyloxy; or pyridyl optionally substituted with 1 or more substituents selected from arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, C(═O)—NR^(5c)R^(5d), halo or C₁₋₆alkyl;

G is C₁₋₄alkanediyl substituted with hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—,

C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—;

Q is a radical of formula (b-5) wherein v is 2, and Y¹ is N—R²;

X¹ is NH or CH₂;

R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl susbstituted with NHR⁶ wherein R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl.

Particular compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R² is C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with NH₂.

Other particular compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein G is methylene or 1,2-ethanediyl, both substituted with hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—.

Also particular compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is pyridyl, preferably 2-pyridyl, substituted with one or 2 substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, amino, cyano, carboxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆alkyl, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, mono-or di (C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁₋₆alkyl-SO₂—NR^(5c)—, aryl-SO₂—NR^(5c)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, —C(═O)—NR^(5c)R^(5d), HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, halo(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— and mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, preferably selected from arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, C(═O)—NR^(5a)R^(5b), halo or C₁₋₆alkyl.

Preferred compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is an optionally substituted 2-pyridyl moiety, in particular, a 2-pyridyl, a 6-substituted-2-pyridyl or a 3,6-disubstituted-2-pyridyl moiety.

Preferred compounds are

[(A),(S)]-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 69);

[(A),(S)]-N-[1-(2-aminopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 75);

(±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(2-methoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 86);

N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-6-chloro-1-[(2-methoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-4-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine trihydrochloride trihydrate (compound 88);

[(A),(R)]-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine monohydrate (compound 68);

(±)-N-[1-(2-aminopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 12);

[(A)(S)]-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine monohydrate (compound 67);

(±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 83);

[(A),(R)]-N-[1-(2-aminopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine monohydrate (compound 74);

(±)-N-[1-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxymethyl]-2-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 9);

(±)-N-[1-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(2-ethoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 64);

[(B),(S)]N-[1-(2-aminopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine monohydrate (compound 76);

(±)-N-[-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-3-[(2-methoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-7-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-amine (compound 89);

(±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(2-ethoxyethoxy)(6-phenyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 85);

(±)-N-[1-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(2-methoxyethoxy)(6-metyl-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 82);

the prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes and stereochemically isomeric forms thereof.

Most preferred are

(±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxy-methyl]-4-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine monohydrate (compound 87);

[(A),(R)]-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl )-4-piperidinyl ]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 70);

(±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxy-methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 10);

the prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes and stereochemically isomeric forms thereof.

In general, compounds of formula (I) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (II-a) or (II-b), wherein P represents a protecting group, such as, for example C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, or those protecting groups mentioned in Chapter 7 of ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’ by T Greene and P. Wuyts (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1991), with an intermediate of formula (III), wherein W₁ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. chloro, bromo, in the presence of a suitable base, such as, e.g. sodium hydride. Said reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein, in the definition of Q, R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is hydrogen, said Q being represented by H-Q₁, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a), can be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (IV) wherein P represents a protecting group, for example C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, benzyl, or those protecting groups mentioned in Chapter 7 of ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’ by T Greene and P. Wuyts (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1991).

When P represents, for example, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, said deprotection reaction can be performed by, for example, acidic hydrolysis in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrobromic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, acetic, or trifluoroacetic acid or a mixture of said acids, or by alkaline hydrolysis in the presence of a suitable base, such as, for example potassium hydroxide, in a suitable solvent such as water, alcohol, a mixture of water-alcohol, methylene chloride. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol and the like. In order to enhance the rate of the reaction, it is advantageous to heat the reaction mixture, in particular up to the reflux temperature. Alternatively, when P represents, for example, benzyl, the deprotection reaction can be performed by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of hydrogen and an appropriate catalyst in a reaction-inert solvent. A suitable catalyst in the above reaction is, for example, platinum-on-charcoal, palladium-on-charcoal, and the like. An appropriate reaction-inert solvent for said reaction is, for example, an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like, an ester, e.g. ethylacetate and the like, an acid, e.g. acetic acid and the like.

The catalytic hydrogenation reaction described above can also be used to prepare a compound of formula (I-a) by deprotecting and reducing an intermediate of formula (IV) wherein Q₁ comprises an unsaturated bond, said Q₁ being represented by Q_(1a)(CH═CH), and said intermediate being represented by formula (IV-a).

Compounds of formula (I) wherein, in the definition of Q, both R⁶ substituents are hydrogen or R² and R⁴ are both hydrogen, said Q being represented by H₂N-Q₂, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-1), can also be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (V).

Said deprotection reaction can be performed in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example hydrazine, or in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid and the like, in a suitable solvent, such as an alcohol, acetic acid and the like.

Compounds of formula (I-a-1) can also be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (VI) according to the procedure described for the preparation of compounds of formula (I-a).

Compounds of formula (I-a) or (I-a-1), wherein Q₁or Q₂ comprise a hydroxy substituent, said Q₁ or Q₂ being represented by Q_(1′)(OH) or Q_(2′)(OH), and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-2) or (I-a-1-1), can be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (VII) or (VIII) as described hereinabove for the preparation of compounds of formula (I-a).

Compounds of formula (I) wherein, in the definition of Q, both R⁶ substituents are hydrogen or R² and R⁴ are both hydrogen, and the carbon adjacent to the nitrogen carrying the R⁶, or R² and R⁴ substituents contains at least one hydrogen, said Q being represented by H₂N-Q₃H, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-1-2) can also be obtained by reductive amination of intermediates of formula (IX) in the presence of a suitable amination reagent, such as, for example, ammonia, hydroxylamine, or benzylamine, and in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, e.g. hydrogen, and an appropriate catalyst. An appropriate catalyst in the above reaction is, for example, platinum-on-charcoal, palladium-on-charcoal, rhodium-on-Al₂O₃, and the like, optionally in the presence of a catalyst poison, such as a thiophene solution. A suitable reaction-inert solvent for the above reaction is, for example, an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein Q comprises a —CH₂NH₂ moiety, said Q being represented by H₂N—CH₂-Q₄, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-1-3) can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (X).

Said reduction can be performed with a suitable reducing agent, such as lithium aluminium hydride or hydrogen, optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as Raney Nickel. A suitable solvent for the above reaction is, for example, tetrahydrofuran, or a solution of ammonia in an alcohol. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like. Said reduction reaction performed in a solution of ammonia in an alcohol can also be used to prepare compounds of formula (I-a-1-3), wherein R¹ is substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, said R¹ being represented by R^(1′)—C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-1-3-1) starting from an intermediate of formula (X-a).

Compounds of formula (I), wherein Q comprises a —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—NH₂ moiety, said Q being represented by H₂N—CH₂—CHOH—CH₂-Q_(4′), and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-1-3-2), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI) with ammonia in the presence of a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol, e.g. methanol.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein, in the definition of Q, R² or one R⁶ substituent is formyl, said Q being represented by H—C(═O)-Q₁, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-b), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XII) with formic acid, formamide and ammonia.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein, in the definition of Q, R² is other than hydrogen, said R² being represented by R^(2a), R⁴ is hydrogen, and the carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom carrying the R² and R⁴ substituents, carries also at least one hydrogen atom, said Q being represented by R^(2a)—NH—HQ₅, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-c), can be prepared by reductive amination of an intermediate of formula (XIII) with an intermediate of formula (XIV) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as hydrogen, and a suitable catalyst, such as palladium-on-charcoal, platinum-on-charcoal, and the like. A suitable reaction-inert solvent for the above reaction is, for example, an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like.

Compounds of formula (I-c), wherein R^(2a) represents C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with N(R⁶)₂ and with hydroxy, and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy, carries also two hydrogen atoms, said R^(2a) being represented by [(C₁₋₉alkyl)CH₂OH]—N(R⁶)₂, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-c-i), can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XV) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as lithium aluminium hydride, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein, in the definition of Q, R² or one R⁶ substituent is hydrogen, said Q being represented by H-Q₁, and wherein R¹ is aryl or a monocyclic heterocycle substituted with 1 or more substituents selected from hydroxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, or HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, said substituents being represented by formula A-OH, said R¹ being represented by R^(1a)—(A-OH)_(w), with w being the amount of substituents on R^(1a) ranging from 1 to 4, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-d), can be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (XVI) with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid and the like, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as an alcohol. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like.

Alternatively, one protecting group may also protect more than one substituent of R^(1a), said protecting group being represented by P₁, as represented by formula (XVI-a). The two ways of protecting the substituents of R^(1a), i.e. with a separate, as in formula (XVI), or a combined, as in formula (XVI-a), protecting group, may also be combined in the same intermediate, as represented by formula (XVI-b).

Compounds of formula (I), wherein Q is a radical of formula (b-2), said compounds being represented by formula (I-e), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XVII) with an intermediate of formula (XVII) in the presence of sodium cyanide and a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol, e.g. methanol and the like.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein in the definition of Q, X² is C₂₋₄alkyl-NR⁴, said Q being represented by Q₆N—CH₂—C₁₋₃alkyl-NR⁴, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-p), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XIX) with an intermediate of formula (XX) in the presence of isopropyl titanate (IV) and a suitable reducing agent, such as NaBH₃CN, and in the presence of a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as methylene chloride and an alcohol, e.g. ethanol.

Compounds of formula (I-p), wherein R² is C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl, and Q is a radical of formula (b-6), wherein Y¹ is NR², said compounds being represented by formula (I-p-1), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XIX) with an intermediate of formula (XX-a) according to the procedure described for the preparation of a compound of formula (I-p).

Compounds of formula (I), wherein G is substituted with hydroxy or HO(—CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—, said G being represented by G₁-OH, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-q), may be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (XXI), wherein P represents a suitable protecting group, for example, benzyl. Said deprotection reaction can be performed by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of hydrogen and an appropriate catalyst in a reaction-inert solvent. A suitable catalyst in the above reaction is, for example, platinum-on-charcoal, palladium-on-charcoal, and the like. An appropriate reaction-inert solvent for said reaction is, for example, an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like, an ester, e.g. ethylacetate and the like, an acid, e.g. acetic acid and the like.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein G is substituted with hydroxy and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy substituent carries also at least one hydrogen, said G being represented by H-G₂-OH, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-q-1), can also be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XXII).

Said reduction reaction can be performed in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as, for example sodium borohydride, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol or tetrahydrofuran or a mixture thereof. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like.

Compounds of formula (I) may be converted into each other following art-known functional group transformation reactions, comprising those described hereinafter.

The compounds of formula (I) may be converted to the corresponding N-oxide forms following art-known procedures for converting a trivalent nitrogen into its N-oxide form. Said N-oxidation reaction may generally be carried out by reacting the starting material of formula (I) with an appropriate organic or inorganic peroxide. Appropriate inorganic peroxides comprise, for example, hydrogen peroxide, alkali metal or earth alkaline metal peroxides, e.g. sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide; appropriate organic peroxides may comprise peroxy acids such as, for example, benzenecarboperoxoic acid or halo substituted benzenecarboperoxoic acid, e.g. 3-chlorobenzenecarboperoxoic acid, peroxoalkanoic acids, e.g. peroxoacetic acid, alkylhydroperoxides, e.g. t.butyl hydro-peroxide. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, lower alcohols, e.g. ethanol and the like, hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene, ketones, e.g. 2-butanone, halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. dichloromethane, and mixtures of such solvents.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, said R¹ being represented by R¹—C(═O)OC₁₋₆alkyl, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-f), can be prepared by esterification of a compound of formula (I-g) in the presence of a suitable alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol and the like, and in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid and the like.

Compounds of formula (I-a) may be converted into compounds of formula (I) wherein, in the definition of Q, R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is other than hydrogen, said R² or R⁶ being represented by Z₁, said Q being represented by Z₁-Q₁, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-h), by reaction with a reagent of formula (XXIII), wherein W₂ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. bromo, or 4-methylbenzenesulphonate, in the presence of a suitable base, such as, for example disodium carbonate, dipotassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide and the like, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. 3-methyl-2-butanone, acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide.

Compounds of formula (I-h), wherein, in the definition of Z₁, R² is CH₂—C₁₋₉alkyl substituted with N(R⁶)₂, said compounds being represented by formula (I-h-1), can also be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a) wherein, in the definition of H-Q₁, R² is hydrogen, said H-Q₁ being represented by H-Q_(1b), and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-3), with an intermediate of formula (XXIV), in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as sodium cyanoborohydride, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol.

Compounds of formula (I-h), wherein Z, comprises formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, Hetcarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, said Z, being represented by Z_(1a), and said compounds being represented by formula (I-h-2), can be converted into compounds of formula (I-a), by acidic hydrolysis in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrobromic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, acetic, or trifluoroacetic acid or a mixture of said acids, or by alkaline hydrolysis in the presence of a suitable base, such as, for example potassium hydroxide, in a suitable solvent such as water, alcohol, a mixture of water-alcohol, methylene chloride. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, sec. butanol and the like. In order to enhance the rate of the reaction, it is advantageous to work at elevated temperatures.

Compounds of formula (I-b) can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a) with formic acid.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle or aryl substituted with hydroxy, said R¹ being represented by HO—R^(1′), and said compounds being represented by formula (I-i), can be prepared by deprotecting a compound of formula (I-j), wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle or aryl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxy or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, said C₁₋₆alkyl or arylC₁₋₆alkyl being represented by Z₂, and said R¹ being represented by Z₂-O—R^(1′). Said deprotection can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent, such as, for example methylene chloride, in the presence of a suitable deprotecting agent, e.g. tribromoborane.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle substituted with halo(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n), said compounds being represented by formula (I-k), can be converted into compounds of formula (I-l-1) or (I-l-2) by reaction with an appropriate amine of formula (XXV) or (XXVI) in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle or aryl substituted with halo, said compounds being represented by formula (I-m) can be converted into compounds of formula (I) by reaction with 1-butanethiol in the presence of palladium-on-charcoal and CaO in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein a hydrogen atom in the radicals of formula (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) or (a-5) is replaced by nitro, said compounds being represented by formula (I-n) may be reduced to a compound of formula (I-o) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as hydrogen, optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as platinum-on-charcoal, and optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst poison, e.g. a thiophene solution. The reaction may be performed in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol.

In the following paragraphs, there are described several methods of preparing the intermediates in the foregoing preparations. A number of intermediates and starting materials are commercially available or are known compounds which may be prepared according to conventional reaction procedures generally known in the art or analogous to the procedures described in EP-A-0005318, EP-A-0099139, EP-A-0151824, EP-A-0151826, EP-A-0232937, EP-A-0295742, EP-A-0297661, EP-A-0539420, EP-A-0539421, U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,704, U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,569.

In the foregoing and the following preparations, the reaction mixture is worked up following art-known methods and the reaction product is isolated and, if necessary, further purified.

Intermediates of formula (III) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXVII) with a suitable leaving group, i.e. W₁, introducing agent, e.g. 1-halo-2,5-pyrrolidinedione in the presence of dibenzoyl peroxide, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrachloromethane.

Intermediates of formula (XXVII), wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle or aryl substituted with chloro, said RI being represented by Cl—R^(1′) and said intermediates being represented by formula (XXVII-a) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXVIII), wherein (O═)R^(1b)H is defined as a carbonyl derivative of R^(1′) wherein one carbon or nitrogen, adjacent to the carbonyl, carries at least one hydrogen, with phosphorus oxychloride. Intermediates of formula (XXVIII) may also react as their enol tautomeric forms.

Intermediates of formula (III) wherein W₁ is chloro, which is attached to a carbon atom carrying at least one hydrogen, said G being represented by G₃H, and said intermediates being represented by formula (III-a) can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXIX) with thionylchloride in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. methylenechloride.

Intermediates of formula (XXIX) can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XXX) in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. an alcohol, in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, e.g. sodium borohydride.

Alternatively, intermediates of formula (XXIX) can also be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (XXXI), wherein P is a suitable protecting group, e.g. C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. sodium hydroxide.

Intermediates of formula (XXX), wherein G₃(═O) is CH(═O), said intermediates being represented by formula (XXX-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXII), wherein W₃ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. bromo, with N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of butyllithium in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, diethylether or a mixture thereof.

Intermediates of formula (IV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIII-a) or (XXXIII-b), wherein P represents a suitable protecting group, such as, for example, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, with an intermediate of formula (III) according to the reaction described for the general preparation of compounds of formula (I).

Intermediates of formula (IV) can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIII-a) with an intermediate of formula (XXXIV) that has reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride, in the presence of a suitable base, such as sodium hydride, and in the presence of a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. N,N-dimethylformamide.

Intermediates of formula (IV) can also be prepared by a cyclization reaction of an intermediate of formula (XXXV) in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. an alcohol or N,N-dimethylformamide, in the presence of mercury oxide and sulphur.

Intermediates of formula (IV) wherein Q₁ comprises an unsaturated bond, said Q₁ being represented by Q_(1a)(CH═CH), and said intermediates by formula (IV-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXVI) with an intermediate of formula (III) in the presence of a suitable base, such as dipotassium carbonate.

Intermediates of formula (IV) wherein, in the definition of Q₁, the X¹ or X² moieties in the radicals of formula (b-1) to (b-8) represent NH, said Q₁ being represented by Q_(1c)-NH, and said intermediates by formula (IV-b), may also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXVII) with an intermediate of formula (XXXVIII).

Intermediates of formula (IV) wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle substituted with amino or mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, said R¹ being represented by R^(5a)R^(5b)N—R^(1′), wherein R^(5a) and R^(5b) are defined as described above, and said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-c), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIX) with an appropriate amine, represented by formula (XL), in the presence of an appropriate catalyst, e.g. palladium, and (R)-(+)-2,2′-bis(diphenyl-phosphino)-1,1′-binaphtyl, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran.

Intermediates of formula (IV) wherein R¹ is monocyclic heterocycle substituted with C(═O)—NR^(5a)R^(5b), wherein R^(5a) and R^(5b) are defined as described above, said R¹ being represented by R^(5a)R^(5b)N—C(═O)—R^(1′), and said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-d), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIX) with an appropriate amine, represented by formula (XL), under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, e.g. palladium (II) acetate, and 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran.

Intermediates of formula (IV) wherein P-Q₁ comprises C₁₋₁₀alkyl or C₃₋₇cycloalkyl substituted with NR⁶—P, said C₁₋₁₀alkyl or C₃₋₇cycloalkyl being represented by Z₃, said P-Q₁ being represented by P—NR⁶-Z₃-Q_(1b), and said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-e), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a-3) with an intermediate of formula (XLI), wherein W₄ represents a suitable leaving group, such as p-toluenesulphonate. Said reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. acetonitrile, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. dipotassium carbonate.

Intermediates of formula (IV-e), wherein R⁶ is hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-e-1), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XLII) with an intermediate of formula (XLIII) in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. dipotassium carbonate, and a suitable solvent, e.g. acetonitrile.

Intermediates of formula (XXXIII-a) or (XXXIII-b) can be prepared by protecting an intermediate of formula (XLIV) with a suitable protecting group, such as, for example, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as methylene chloride or an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like, in the presence of a suitable reagent, e.g. di C₁₋₄alkyl dicarbonate and optionally in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. sodium acetate.

Alternatively, intermediates of formula (XXXIII-a) or (XXXIII-b) can be converted into an intermediate of formula (XLIV) by reaction with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid and the like or mixtures thereof, in the presence of a suitable solvent, e.g. water.

Intermediates of formula (XXXIII-a) or (XXXIII-b), wherein in the definition of Q₁, the X¹ or X² moieties in the radicals of formula (b-1) to (b-8) represent NH, said Q₁ being represented by Q_(1c)-NH, and said intermediates by formula (XXXIII-a-1) or (XXXIII-b-1), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XLV-a) or (XLV-b), wherein W₅ represents a suitable leaving group, such as for example a halo atom, e.g. chloro, with an intermediate of formula (XLVI).

Intermediates of formula (XLV-a) or (XLV-b) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XLVI-a) or (XLVII-b) with H₂P(═O)(W₅)₃ in the presence of a suitable acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid.

Intermediates of formula (XLVII-a) or (XLVII-b) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XLVIII-a) or (XLVIII-b) with an intermediate of formula (IL).

Intermediates of formula (XXXIII-a) can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XLVIII-a) with P-Q₁-C(═NH)—O—CH₂—CH₃ in a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol.

Intermediates of formula (XXXV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (L) with an intermediate of formula P-Q₁=C═S, which is synthesized according to the procedures described in EP 0005318, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol, e.g. ethanol. To increase the reaction rate, the reaction may be performed at elevated temperatures.

Intermediates of formula (L) can be obtained by reducing an intermediate of formula (LI) in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. an alcohol, in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, e.g. hydrogen, and an appropriate catalyst, e.g. Raney Nickel.

Intermediates of formula (LI) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LII) with an intermediate of formula (LIII), in which W₆ represents a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. chloro. This reaction may be performed in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. acetonitrile, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. dipotassium carbonate.

Intermediates of formula (LII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LIV) with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid, in the presence of a suitable solvent, e.g. an alcohol, e.g. ethanol.

Intermediates of formula (LIV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (III) with NaN[C(═O)H]₂.

Intermediates of formula (LI) can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LIII) with an intermediate of formula (LV) (J. Org. Chem., 25, p 1138, 1960) in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. N,N-dimethylformamide, in the presence of an appropriate base, e.g. sodium hydride.

Intermediates of formula (XXXVI) can be prepared by dehydrating an intermediate of formula (LVI) with a suitable acid, such as sulfuric acid.

Intermediates of formula (LVI) wherein, in the definition of Q_(1a), the X¹ or X² moieties are CH₂, said Q_(1a) being represented by Q_(1a′), and said intermediates being represented by formula (LVI-a), can be prepared by reacting a carbonyl moiety of formula (LVII) with an intermediate of formula (LVIII) in the presence of N,N-diisopropylamine and butyl lithium, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran.

Intermediates of formula (IV), wherein G is C₁₋₁₀alkanediyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxy, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, HO(—CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—, or arylC₁₋₄alkyloxy(-CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—, said group of substituents being represented by O-Z₄, said G being represented by Z₄-O-G₁, and said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-f), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIII-a), with an intermediate of formula (LIX), optionally in the presence of a suitable acid, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like, and optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as N,N-dimethylacetamide. To increase the reaction rate, the reaction may be carried out at elevated temperatures.

Intermediates of formula (LIX) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LX) with a reagent of formula (LXI) or (LXII) in a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol, or toluene, in the presence of an acid, e.g. 4-methylbenzenesulphonic acid.

Intermediates of formula (LX) can be prepared by oxidizing an intermediate of formula (LXIII) with a suitable oxidizing agent, e.g. MnO₂, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as methylene chloride.

Intermediates of formula (IV-f) can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) wherein G is C₁₋₁₀alkanediyl substituted with hydroxy, said G being represented by G₁-OH, and said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-g), with an intermediate of formula (LXIV), wherein W₇ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. iodo, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. sodium hydride, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran.

Intermediates of formula (IV-g), wherein the carbon atom of G₁ carrying the hydroxy, also carries a hydrogen atom, said G₁-OH being represented by H-G₂-OH, and said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-g-1), can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (LXV) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, e.g. sodium borohydride, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol, tetrahydrofuran or a mixture thereof. Intermediates of formula (LXV) can also first be deprotected, e.g. in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid and the like, resulting in intermediates of formula (LXVI), followed by a reduction, resulting in a compound of formula (I-q-1) wherein Q represents H-Q₁, said compounds being represented by formula (I-q-1-1).

Intermediates of formula (IV), wherein G is ethyl substituted with hydroxy, said intermediates being represented by formula (IV-g-2) can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIII-a) with an intermediate of formula (LXVII) in the presence of a suitable base, such as sodium hydride, in a reaction-inert solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide.

A subgroup of intermediates of formula (IV-g-2), represented by formula (IV-g-2-1), can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXVIII) with an intermediate of formula (LXIX) in the presence of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. toluene.

Intermediates of formula (LXV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIII-a) with an intermediate of formula (LXX), wherein W₈ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. bromo, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. sodium hydride, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. N,N-dimethylformamide.

Intermediates of formula (V) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXXI) with 1H-isoindole-1,3 (2H)-dione in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate.

Intermediates of formula (V) may also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXXII) with 1H-isoindole-1,3 (2H)-dione in the presence of a suitable base, such as sodium hydride, and a suitable solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide.

Intermediates of formula (LXXII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXXI) with an intermediate of formula (LXXIII), wherein W₉ represents a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. chloro, in the presence of a suitable base, such as N,N-diethyl-ethanamine, and a suitable solvent, such as methylene chloride.

Intermediates of formula (V), wherein in the definition of Q₂, R² is C₁₋₁₀alkyl, said Q₂ being represented by C₁₋₁₀alkyl-Q_(1b), and said intermediates by formula (V-a), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a-3) with an intermediate of formula (LXXIV), wherein W₁₀ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. chloro, in the presence of a suitable base, such as dipotassium carbonate, and a suitable solvent, such as acetonitrile.

Intermediates of formula (LXXI) wherein, in the definition of Q₂, the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy, also carries two hydrogen atoms, said HO-Q₂ being represented by HO—CH₂-Q_(2′), and said intermediates being represented by formula (LXXI-a), can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (LXXV) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as lithium aluminium hydride, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. tetrahydrofuran.

Intermediates of formula (LXXI), wherein, in the definition of Q₂, the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy, carries also at least one hydrogen, said HO-Q₂ being represented by HO-Q₃H, and said intermediates being represented by formula (LXXI-b), can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (IX) with a suitable reducing agent, e.g. sodium borohydride, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. an alcohol.

Intermediates of formula (VI) wherein, in the definition of Q₂, R² is C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with N(P)₂ and the carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom carrying the R² substituent carries also at least one hydrogen atom, said Q₂ being represented by (P)₂N—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-NH-Q_(2a)H, and said intermediates being represented by formula (VI-a), can be prepared by reductive amination of an intermediate of formula (LXXVI) with an intermediate of formula (LXXVII) in the presence of a suitable reductive agent, such as hydrogen, and a suitable catalyst, such as palladium-on-charcoal, platinum-on-charcoal, and the like, and optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst poison, such as a thiophene solution. A suitable solvent in this reaction is a reaction-inert solvent, such as an alcohol.

Intermediates of formula (LXXVI) can be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (LXXVIII) in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid and the like, in a suitable solvent, e.g. water.

Intermediates of formula (IX) may be prepared by deprotecting an intermediate of formula (LXXIX) in the presence of a suitable acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid and the like.

Intermediates of formula (LXXIX) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXXX) with an intermediate of formula (III) in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. dipotassium carbonate, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. acetonitrile.

Intermediates of formula (LXXX) wherein, in the definition of Q₃, the X₁ or X₂ moiety of the radicals of formula (b-1) to (b-8) represent NH, said Q₃ being represented by Q_(3′)-NH, and said intermediates being represented by formula (LXXX-a), may be prepared by cyclizing an intermediate of formula (LXXXI) in the presence of mercury oxide and sulphur, in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. an alcohol.

Intermediates of formula (LXXXI) can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (LXXXII) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as hydrogen, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as palladium-on-charcoal, platinum-on-charcoal and the like, in a suitable solvent, e.g. a mixture of ammonia in alcohol. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol and the like.

Intermediates of formula (LXXXII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXXXII) with an intermediate of formula (LXXXIV) in a suitable reaction-inert solvent, e.g. ethanol.

Intermediates of formula (IX), wherein, in the definition Of Q₃, R² comprises C₁₋₁₀alkyl, said Q₃ being represented by C₁₋₁₀alkyl-Q^(1b), and said intermediates being represented by formula (IX-a), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a-3) with a reagent of formula (LXXXV), wherein (O═)C₁₋₁₀alkyl represents a carbonyl derivative of C₁₋₁₀alkyl and wherein W₁₁ is a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. bromo, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. acetonitrile, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. dipotassium carbonate.

Intermediates of formula (X) wherein Q₄ comprises C₁₋₉alkyl, said Q₄ being represented by C₁₋₉alkyl-Q_(1b), and said intermediates being represented by formula (X-a), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a-3) with a reagent of formula (LXXXVI) wherein W₁₂ represents a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. chloro, in a reaction-inert solvent, e.g. 3-methyl-2-butanone, in the presence of a suitable base, e.g. dipotassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and the like.

Intermediates of formula (X), wherein NC-Q₄ represents NC—(C₁₋₉alkyl)(R⁴)N—C(═O)-Alk-X¹, said intermediates being represented by formula (X-b), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (LXXXVII) with an intermediate of formula (LXXXVIII) in the presence of di-1H-imidazol-2-yl-methanone, a suitable base, such as N,N-diethyl-ethanamine, and a suitable solvent, such as methylene chloride.

Intermediates of formula (XI), wherein Q_(4′) represents Q_(1b), said intermediates being represented by formula (XI-a), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I-a-3) with an intermediate of formula (LXXXIX), wherein W₁₃ represents a suitable leaving group, such as a halo atom, e.g. chloro, in the presence of a suitable base, such 5 as disodium carbonate, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as 3-methyl-2-butanone.

Intermediates of formula (XIX) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XC) with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid.

Pure stereochemically isomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) may be obtained by the application of art-known procedures. Diastereomers may be separated by physical methods such as selective crystallization and chromatographic techniques, e.g., counter-current distribution, liquid chromatography and the like.

The compounds of formula (I) as prepared in the hereinabove described processes are generally racemic mixtures of enantiomers which can be separated from one another following art-known resolution procedures. The racemic compounds of formula (I) which are sufficiently basic or acidic may be converted into the corresponding diastereomeric salt forms by reaction with a suitable chiral acid, respectively chiral base. Said diastereomeric salt forms are subsequently separated, for example, by selective or fractional crystallization and the enantiomers are liberated therefrom by alkali or acid. An alternative manner of separating the enantiomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) involves liquid chromatography, in particular liquid chromatography using a chiral stationary phase. Said pure stereochemically isomeric forms may also be derived from the corresponding pure stereochemically isomeric forms of the appropriate starting materials, provided that the reaction occurs stereospecifically. Preferably if a specific stereoisomer is desired, said compound will be synthesized by stereospecific methods of preparation. These methods will advantageously employ enantiomerically pure starting materials.

The compounds of formula (I) show antiviral properties. Viral infections treatable using the compounds and methods of the present invention include those infections brought on by ortho- and paramyxoviruses and in particular by human and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The in vitro antiviral activity against RSV of the present compounds was tested in a test as described in the experimental part of the description, and may also be demonstrated in a virus yield reduction assay. The in vivo antiviral activity against RSV of the present compounds may be demonstrated in a test model using cotton rats as described in Wyde et al. (Antiviral Research (1998), 38, 31-42).

Due to their antiviral properties, particularly their anti-RSV properties, the compounds of formula (I) or any subgroup thereof, their prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes and stereochemically isomeric forms, are useful in the treatment of individuals experiencing a viral infection, particularly a RSV infection, and for the prophylaxis of these infections. In general, the compounds of the present invention may be useful in the treatment of warm-blooded animals infected with viruses, in particular the respiratory syncytial virus.

The compounds of the present invention or any subgroup thereof may therefore be used as medicines. Said use as a medicine or method of treatment comprises the systemic administration to viral infected subjects or to subjects susceptible to viral infections of an amount effective to combat the conditions associated with the viral infection, in particular the RSV infection.

The present invention also relates to the use of the present compounds or any subgroup thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or the prevention of viral infections, particularly RSV infection.

The compounds of the present invention or any subgroup thereof may be formulated into various pharmaceutical forms for administration purposes. As appropriate compositions there may be cited all compositions usually employed for systemically administering drugs. To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, an effective amount of the particular compound, optionally in addition salt form or metal complex, as the active ingredient is combined in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration. These pharmaceutical compositions are desirable in unitary dosage form suitable, particularly, for administration orally, rectally, percutaneously, or by parenteral injection. For example, in preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs, emulsions and solutions; or solid carriers such as starches, sugars, kaolin, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of powders, pills, capsules, and tablets. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit forms, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. For parenteral compositions, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, at least in large part, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility, may be included. Injectable solutions, for example, may be prepared in which the carrier comprises saline solution, glucose solution or a mixture of saline and glucose solution. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. Also included are solid form preparations which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations. In the compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, the carrier optionally comprises a penetration enhancing agent and/or a suitable wetting agent, optionally combined with suitable additives of any nature in minor proportions, which additives do not introduce a significant deleterious effect on the skin.

The compounds of the present invention may also be administered via oral inhalation or insufflation by means of methods and formulations employed in the art for administration via this way. Thus, in general the compounds of the present invention may be administered to the lungs in the form of a solution, a suspension or a dry powder, a solution being preferred. Any system developed for the delivery of solutions, suspensions or dry powders via oral inhalation or insufflation are suitable for the administration of the present compounds.

Thus, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition adapted for administration by inhalation or insufflation through the mouth comprising a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the compounds of the present invention are administered via inhalation of a solution in nebulized or aerosolized doses.

It is especially advantageous to formulate the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Unit dosage form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. Examples of such unit dosage forms are tablets (including scored or coated tablets), capsules, pills, suppositories, powder packets, wafers, injectable solutions or suspensions and the like, and segregated multiples thereof.

In general it is contemplated that an antivirally effective daily amount would be from 0.01 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg body weight, more preferably from 0.1 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg body weight. It may be appropriate to administer the required dose as two, three, four or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day. Said sub-doses may be formulated as unit dosage forms, for example, containing 1 to 1000 mg, and in particular 5 to 200 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

The exact dosage and frequency of administration depends on the particular compound of formula (I) used, the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition being treated, the age, weight, sex, extent of disorder and general physical condition of the particular patient as well as other medication the individual may be taking, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is evident that said effective daily amount may be lowered or increased depending on the response of the treated subject and/or depending on the evaluation of the physician prescribing the compounds of the instant invention. The effective daily amount ranges mentioned hereinabove are therefore only guidelines.

Also, the combination of another antiviral agent and a compound of formula (I) can be used as a medicine. Thus, the present invention also relates to a product containing (a) a compound of formula (I), and (b) another antiviral compound, as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in antiviral treatment. The different drugs may be combined in a single preparation together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. For instance, the compounds of the present invention may be combined with interferon-beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha in order to treat or prevent RSV infections.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention.

A. Preparation of the Intermediate Compounds

EXAMPLE A1

a) K₂CO₃ (0.129 mol) was suspended in a solution of ethyl 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl-amino)-1-piperidinecarboxylate (0.0347 mol) and 2-bromo-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanone (0.0647 mol) in acetonitrile (150 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 8 hours, then cooled, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OHONH₄OH 97.5/2.5/0.1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Part of this fraction (3 g) was taken up in 2-propanone and diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 2 g of ethyl 4-[[1-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (interm. 1).

b) A mixture of intermediate (1) (0.015 mol) in HCl 12N (100 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 12 hours, then the solvent was evaporated. Ethylacetate was added. The mixture was basified with a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with H₂O and with ethylacetate and dried. The residue (5.5 g) was crystallized from ethylacetate. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 4.8 g of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-piperidinylamino)-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl]ethanone dihydrate (80%) (interm. 2).

EXAMPLE A2

a) NaBH (0.034 mol) was added portionwise at 5° C. to a mixture of (±)-1,1-dimethyl-ethyl 4-[[1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (0.034 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (250 ml) and methanol (250 ml). The mixture was stirred at 5° C. and then hydrolyzed cold with H₂0. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in H₂0. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with diisopropyl-ether and dried, yielding 11.3 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-ethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino-1-piperidinecarboxylate (76%) (interm. 3).

b) A mixture of intermediate (3) (0.0183 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) was cooled to 0° C. under N₂ flow. NaH 80% (0.0366 mol) was added portionwise. The mixture was brought to room temperature, then stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and cooled again to 0° C. A solution of CH₃I (0.0183 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, then cooled, hydrolyzed and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was separated, washed with H₂O, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 98.5/1.5/0.1). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 5 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-(2-methoxy-2-phenylethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (interm. 4).

EXAMPLE A3

a) NaOCH₃ (0.2 mol) was added to a mixture of N-(4-piperidinyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine dihydrobromide (0.1 mol) in methanol (389 ml), the mixture was cooled on an ice bath and stirred for 2 hours. Bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) dicarbonoate (0.1 mol) was added to a cooled mixture on an ice bath and then stirred for 18 hours at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue suspended in water/diisopropyl ether. The residue was filtered off, washed with water/diisopropyl ether and dried. The residue was boiled up in CH₃OH, yielding 17.46 g of 1,1-dimethylethyl 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylamino)-1-piperidinecarboxylate (55.2%) (interm. 5).

b) A mixture of 3-(benzyloxy)-6-methyl-2-pyridinemethanol (0.0314 mol) and MnO₂ (29.52 g) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight and then purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂ 100%). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 6.71 g of 6-methyl-3-(phenyl-methoxy)-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (94%) (interm. 6).

c) A mixture of intermediate (6) (0.0385 mol) and triethylorthoformiate in the presence of 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (0.5 g) in toluene (200 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 6 hours. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in H₂O, Na₂CO₃ and CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 9.6 g of 2-(diethoxymethyl)-6-methyl-3-(phenylmethoxy)pyridine (83%) (interm. 7).

d) Intermediate (7) (0.03185 mol) and intermediate (5) (0.03185 mol) were heated to 150° C. and purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 98/2). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 10.25 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-[ethoxy[6-methyl-3-(phenylmethoxy)-2-pyridinyl]methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxyl ate (56%) (interm. 8).

e) A mixture of 2-(diethoxymethyl)-6-bromo-pyridine (0.03 mol), intermediate 5 (0.03 mol) and 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (2 g) in toluene (700 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 20 hours using a water separator. 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid was added and the mixture was stirred and refluxed for 48 hours. 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid was added again and the mixture was stirred and refluxed for another 48 hours. 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid was added again. The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 24 hours, then cooled and washed with a diluted NaOH solution. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/C₂H₅OH 95/5). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was suspended in petroleum ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 1.4 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl]ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (9%) (interm. 33).

EXAMPLE A4

a) A mixture of 2,3-pyridinediamine (0.05 mol) and ethyl 4-(2-ethoxy-2-iminoethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylate monohydrochloride (0.05 mol) in methanol (150 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 3 days. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂. The organic solution was washed with K₂CO₃ 10%, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 94/6/0.1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 7.6 g of ethyl 4-[(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (52%) (interm. 9).

b) NaH (0.028 mol) was added portionwise at 0° C. to a mixture of intermediate (9) (0.023 mol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (75 ml). 2-Bromo-1-phenylethanone (0.028 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. H₂O was added and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH NH₄OH 97.5/2.5/0.1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 4.7 g of ethyl 4-[[1-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl]methyl]-1-piperidine-carboxylate (50.5%) (interm. 10).

c) NaBH₄ (0.0137 mol) was added portionwise at 5° C. under N₂ flow to a mixture of intermediate (10) (0.0137 mol) in methanol (100 ml). The mixture was hydrolyzed with H₂O and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 5.6 g of (±)-ethyl 4-[[1-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-ethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl]methyl]-1-piperidinecarboxyl ate (interm. 11).

EXAMPLE A5

A mixture of (±)-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-(4-piperidinyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (0.00205 mol), 1-chloro-2-propanone (0.00308 mol) and K₂CO₃ (0.0041 mol) in acetonitrile (8 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 8 hours. H₂O was added and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/ NH₄OH 97/3/0.1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding: 0.67 g of (±)-1-[4-[[1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinyl]-2-propanone (77%) (interm. 12).

EXAMPLE A6

4-Methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.2222 mol) was added portionwise at 10° C. to a mixture of 1,1-dimethylethyl [1-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropyl]carbamoate (0.202 mol) in pyridine (65 ml). The mixture was stirred at 10° C. for 2 hours. H₂O (75 ml) was added at 10° C. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with H₂O and taken up in CH₂Cl₂. The organic solution was washed with H₂O, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 49 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl [1-[[[(4-methylphenyl)-sulfonyl]oxy]methyl]-2-methylpropyl]carbamate (68%) (intern. 13).

EXAMPLE A7

a) A mixture of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl]ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (0.00189 mol) (interm. 33), Pd (0.026 g), (R)-(+)-2,2′-bis(diphenyl-phosphino)-1,1′-binaphtyl (0.046 g) and NH(CH₃)₂ gas (10 g) in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml) was stirred in an autoclave at 100° C. for 16 hours under pressure of CO (30 atm). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 99/1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvents was evaporated, yielding 0.8 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-[[6-(dimethylamino)-2-pyridinyl]ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (86%) (interm. 14).

b) A mixture of intermediate 33 (0.0032 mol), Pd(OAc)₂ (0.030 g) and 1,3-propanediylbis[diphenylphosphine] (0.110 g) in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) under ammonia (liq., 10 atm) and CO (gas, 30 atm) was stirred for 16 hours at 100° C. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 98/2). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 0.15 g of interm. 41.

EXAMPLE A8

A mixture of α-[[(3-amino-2-pyridinyl)amino]methyl]benzenemethanol (0.043 mol) and ethyl 4-isothiocyanato-1-piperidinecarboxylate (0.047 mol) in toluene (200 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 30 minutes. N,N-methanetetrayl-biscyclohexanamine (0.065 mol) was added and the mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 96/4/0.2). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Part of the residue (1.5 g) was crystallized from diisopropyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 1.35 g of (±)-ethyl 4-[[1-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate interm. 15).

EXAMPLE A9

Reaction under N₂ flow. NaH 60% (0.02 mol) was added to a mixture of I,1-dimethyl-ethyl 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylamino)-1-piperidinecarboxylate (0.02 mol) in N,N-di-methylformamide (100 ml). The mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 1 hour. 6-(Epoxyethyl)-2-picoline (0.02 mol) in a small amount of N,N-dimethylformamide was added. The mixture was stirred at 100° C. overnight. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in H₂O and CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 95/5 and 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 3.5 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-[2-hydroxy-2-(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (interm. 16).

Tables 1,2 and 3 list intermediates which were prepared analogous to one of the above examples. TABLE 1

Int. Ex. No. No. L R^(a) Physical data 17 A1b H 2-Cl 18 A1b H 4-OCH₃ 19 A1b H 3-Cl H₂O (1:1) 20 A1b H 3-F H₂O (1:2)  2 A1b H 4-Cl H₂O (1:2) 21 A1b H 3-CH₃ 22 A1b H 2-CH₃ H₂O (1:1) 23 A1a —C(═O)—O—C₂H₅ 4-CH₃ 24 A1b H 4-CH₃ H₂O (1:1); mp. 180° C. 25 A1b H 3-OCH₃ H₂O (1:1), HCl (1:1); mp. 220° C. 26 A1b H 2-F

TABLE 2

Physical Int. Ex. data; No. No. L n a b R^(a) R^(b) R^(c) mp. 27 A3e —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH CH₃ —C₂H₅ H 28 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH CH₃

H 29 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH CH₃ —(CH₂)₂—O—C₂H₅ H 30 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH CH₃ —[(CH₂)₂—O]₂—CH₃ H 31 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH Phenyl —(CH₂)₂—O—C₂H₅ H 32 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH —CH₂—O—CH₃ —CH₃ H 33 A3e —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH Br —C₂H₅ H 34 A3d —CH₂-phenyl 0 N CH H —C₂H₅ H 35 A5 —CH₂—C(═O)—CH(CH₃)₂ 0 N CH CH₃ —C₂H₅ H 36 A5 —CH₂—C(═O)—CH(CH₃)₂ 0 N CH CH₃ —(CH₂)₂—O—C₂H₂ H 37 A5 —CH₂—C(═O)—CH(CH₃)₂ 0 N CH CH₃ —[(CH₂)₂—O]₂—CH₃ H 38 A5 —CH₂—C(═O)—CH(CH₃)₂ 0 N CH Phenyl —(CH₂)₂—O—C₂H₅ H 40 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH CH₃ —C₂H₅ 3-O-benzyl 41 A7b —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH —CO—NH₂ —C₂H₅ H 42 A7b —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH —CO—N(CH₃)₂ —C₂H₅ H 16 A9 —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 1 N CH CH₃ H H 44 A3d —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH CH₃ —(CH₂)₂—OCH₃ H  4 A2b —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 1 CH CH H CH₃ H 15 A8 —C(═O)—O—C₂H₅ 1 CH N H H H 85° C. 47 A7a —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 0 N CH —N(CH₃)₂ C₂H₂ H

TABLE 3

Physical Int. Ex. data; No. No. b R^(a) R^(b) R^(c) L mp. 48 A3d CH Br —CH₂—CH₃ H —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 49 A5 CH CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ Cl —CH₂—C(═O)—CH(CH₃)₂ 50 A3d CH CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ Cl —C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃ 51 A5 N CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ H —CH₂—C(═O)—CH(CH₃)₂ 52 A3d N CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ H —CH₂—C₆H₅ B. Preparation of the Final Compounds

EXAMPLE B1

A mixture of intermediate (4) (0.0102 mol) in HCl 3N (80 ml) and 2-propanol (10 ml) was stirred at 40° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was brought to room temperature and poured out on ice. CH₂Cl₂ was added. The mixture was basified with K₂CO₃ solid, stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, washed with H₂O, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from diethyl ether and CH₃OH. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 2.9 g of (±)-1-(2-methoxy-2-phenylethyl)-N-(4-piperidinyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (81%) (compound 1).

EXAMPLE B2

A mixture of intermediate (11) (0.0139 mol) and KOH (0.1 mol) in 2-propanol (200 ml) was stirred and refluxed overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 80/20/3). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was converted into the ethanedioic acid salt (1:2) with ethanedioic acid. The mixture was crystallized from 2-propanone. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 3.9 g of (±)-α-phenyl-2-(4-piperidinylmethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-1-ethanol ethanedioate (1:2) (compound 2).

EXAMPLE B3

a) A mixture of intermediate (8) (0.00175 mol) in trifluoroacetic acid (20 ml) and CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, poured out into ice water and alkalized with a NaOH solution. CH₂Cl₂ was added. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1:3). The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.48 g of (±)-1-[ethoxy[6-methyl-(3-phenylmethoxy)-2-pyridinyl]methyl]-N-(4-piperidinyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine trihydrochloride dihydrate 2-propanolate (1:1) (compound 3).

b) A mixture of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-[[1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinecarboxylate (0.0026 mol) in 2-propanol (30 ml) and HBr/CH₃COOH (2 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours and then cooled. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in H₂O and CH₂Cl₂. The mixture was alkalized with a NaOH solution. The organic layer was separated, washed with H₂O, dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/NH₃ 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was suspended in petroleum ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. This fraction was recrystallized from a small amount of CH₃CN. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.22 g of (±)-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxymethyl]-N-(4-piperidinyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (19.6%) (compound 4).

EXAMPLE B4

A mixture of (±)-1-[ethoxy(2-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-[1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (0.011 mol) in methanol (150 ml) was hydrogenated for 4 days with Pd/C 10% (2 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃O/NH₃) 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 1.5 g of (±)-1-[ethoxy-(2-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-(4-piperidinyl)-2-benzimidazol-2-amine (39%) (compound 5).

EXAMPLE B5

NaBH₄ (0.0078 mol) was added portionwise to a mixture of intermediate (2) (0.0078 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) and methanol (50 ml), and the mixture was stirred at 5° C. under N₂ flow for 2 hours. The mixture was hydrolyzed cold with H₂O (3 ml) and the solvent was evaporated. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with H₂O and dried. The residue (3 g) was crystallized from diisopropyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 2.9 g of (±)-α-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-piperidinylamino)-1H-benzimidazole-1-ethanol (100%) (compound 6).

EXAMPLE B6

A mixture of compound (4) (0.0035 mol), 1,1-dimethylethyl (2-bromomethyl)-carbamoate (0.005 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.01 mol) in 2-butanone (100 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 20 hours. H₂O was added. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 95/5 to 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 1.3 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl [2-[4-[[1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinyl]-ethyl]carbamate (compound 7).

EXAMPLE B7

A mixture of compound (4) (0.00348 mol), intermediate (13) (0.00348 mol) and K₂CO₃ (0.01392 mol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) and N,N-dimethylformamide (4 ml) was stirred at 60° C. for 4 hours (1 equivalent of intermediate (13) was added every hour) and then cooled. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂. The organic solution was washed with H₂O, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 96.5/3.5/0.1). Two pure fractions were collected and their solvents were evaporated, yielding 1 g of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl [1-[[4-[[1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinyl]methyl]-2-methylpropyl]carbamate (47%) (compound 8).

EXAMPLE B8

A mixture of compound (7) (0.0026 mol) in 2-propanol (30 ml) and HBr/acetic acid (2 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 90 minutes and then cooled. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂ and H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was suspended in diisopropyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. This fraction was purified again by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was suspended in diisopropyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.23 g of (±)-N-[1-(2-aminoethyl)4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 9).

EXAMPLE B9

A mixture of compound (8) (0.00162 mol) in 2-propanol/HCl (1 ml) and 2-propanol (10 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 1 hour and then cooled. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂. The organic solution was washed with K₂CO₃ 10% and with H₂O, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 94/6/1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 0.23 g of (±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-ethoxymethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (27%) (compound 10).

EXAMPLE B10

A mixture of (±)-1,1-dimethylethyl [2-[4-[[1-[ethoxy[6-methyl-3-(phenylmethoxy)-2-pyridinyl]methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinyl]ethyl]carbamate (0.0016 mol) and KOH (1 g) in sec-butanol (25 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 6 hours. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 95/5, 93/7 to 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1:3). The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.5 g of (±)-N-[1-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy[6-methyl-3-(phenylmethoxy)-2-pyridinyl]-methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine trihydrochloride dihydrate (compound 11).

EXAMPLE B 11

A mixture of intermediate (12) (0.0016 mol) and benzenemethanamine (0.0048 mol) in methanol (7 ml) was hydrogenated at 40° C. under a 5 bar pressure for 8 hours with Pd/C (0.07 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered through celite, washed with CH₃OH and CH₂Cl₂ and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 93/7/0.7). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.4 g of (±)-N-[1-(2-aminopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[ethoxy(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (59%) (compound 12).

EXAMPLE B 12

A mixture of (±)-N-[1-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl) [2-(phenylmethoxy)ethoxy]methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-amine (0.003 mol) in methanol (150 ml) was stirred at room temperature with Pd/C 10% (0.5 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (I equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 90/10). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was suspended in petroleum ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.23 g of (±)-2-[[2-[[1-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-amino]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl](6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methoxy]ethanol monohydrate (18%) (compound 13).

EXAMPLE B13

A mixture of (±)-1-[4-[[1-(2-ethoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]amino]-1-piperidinyl]-3-methyl-2-butanone (0.0032 mol) in NH₃/CH₃OH (200 ml) was hydrogenated for 3 days at 20° C. with Rh/Al₂O₃ 5% (1 g) as a catalyst in the presence of a thiophene solution (2 ml). After uptake of H₂ (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 95/5). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from diisopropyl ether, filtered off and dried, yielding 0.58 g of (±)-N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1-[(2-ethoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-1 H-benzimidazol-2-amine (compound 14).

Tables 4 to 8 list the compounds of formula (I) which were prepared according to one of the above examples. TABLE 4

Comp. Ex. No. No. b c a L R^(b) R^(a) Physical data  1 B1 NH CH CH H CH₃ H mp. 146° C.  2 B2 CH₂ N CH H H H mp. 150° C.; ethanedioate(1:2)  6 B5 NH CH CH H H 4-Cl 31 B2 NH N CH H H H mp. 210° C. 32 B5 NH CH CH H H 2-Cl 33 B5 NH CH CH H H 4-OCH₃ 34 B5 NH CH CH H H 3-Cl 35 B5 NH CH CH H H 2-CH₃ 36 B5 NH CH CH H H 3-CH₃ mp. 145° C. 37 B5 NH CH CH H H 3-OCH₃ mp. 162° C. 38 B5 NH CH CH H H 3-F mp. >230° C. 39 B5 NH CH CH H H 2-F mp. 205° C. 40 B5 NH CH CH H H 4-CH₃ mp. 207° C. 47 B6 NH CH N * H 3-CH₃ *= —(CH₂)₂—NH—C(═O)—O—C(CH₃)₃

TABLE 5

Comp. Ex. No. No. L R^(a) R^(b) R^(c) Physical data  3 B3a H CH₃ —C₂H₅ ** HCl (1:3); H₂O (1:2); 2-propanolate(1:1)  4 B3b H Br —C₂H₅ H  5 B4 H H —C₂H₅ H  9 B8 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ Br —C₂H₅ H 11 B10 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ —C₂H₅ ** HCl (1:3); H₂O (1:2) 13 B12 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ —C₂H₄—OH H H₂O (1:1) 15 B1 H CH₃ —C₂H₅ H 16 B1 H CH₃ —(CH₂)₂—O—C₂H₅ H 17 B1 H CH₃ —[(CH₂)₂—O]₂—CH₃ H 18 B1 H CH₃ —C₂H₅ H (A) 19 B1 H Br —C₂H₅ H (A) 20 B1 H Br —C₂H₅ H (B) 21 B1 H CH₃ —C₂H₅ H (B) 22 B1 H —CH₂—O—CH₃ —CH₃ H 23 B1 H Phenyl —(CH₂)₂—O—C₂H₅ H 24 B1 H —N(CH₃)₂ —C₂H₅ H 25 B1 H —C(═O)—NH₂ —C₂H₅ H 26 B1 H —C(═O)—N(CH₃)₂ —C₂H₅ H 27 B1 H CH₃ H H 28 B1 H CH₃ H H HCl (1:3); H₂O (1:1) 29 B1 H CH₃ —(CH₂)₂—O—CH₂- H phenyl 30 B1 H CH₃ —(CH₂)₂—O—CH₃ H HCl (1:1) 63 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ —C₂H₅ H 64 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—C₂H₅ H 65 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ H —C₂H₅ H HCl (1:4); H₂O (1:1) 66 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ H —[(CH₂)₂—O]₂CH₃ H 78 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ phenyl —C₂H₄—O—C₂H₅ H HCl (1:3); H₂O (1:1) 79 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ —N(CH₃)₂ —C₂H₅ H HCl (1:4); H₂O (1:3) 80 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ H H HCl (1:4); H₂O (1:1) 81 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₂- H phenyl 82 B9 —(CH₂)₂—NH₂ CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ H **= —O—CH₂-phenyl (A) indicates the first isolated stereoisomeric form (B) indicates the second isolated stereoisomeric form

TABLE 6

Comp. Ex. Physical No. No. R^(a) R^(b) R^(c) R^(d) data  7 B6 Br —C₂H₅ H H  8 B7 Br —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ 41 B6 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H H 42 B6 CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—C₂H₅ H H 43 B6 H —C₂H₅ H H 44 B6 CH₃ —[C₂H₄—O]₂—CH₃ H H 45 B6 phenyl —C₂H₄—O—C₂H₅ H H 46 B6 —N(CH₃)₂ —C₂H₅ H H 48 B6 CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₂-phenyl H H 49 B6 CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ H H 50 B6 CH₃ —C₂H₅ —O—CH₂-phenyl H 51 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(S)] 52 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(R)] 53 B7 Br —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(S)] 54 B7 Br —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(R)] 55 B7 Br —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(R)] 56 B7 Br —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(S)] 57 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(S)] 59 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH₃ [(A),(R)] 60 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH₃ [(A),(S)] 61 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH₃ [(B),(S)] 62 B7 CH₃ —C₂H₅ H —CH₃ [(B),(R)] (A) indicates the first isolated stereoisomeric form (B) indicates the second isolated stereoisomeric form

TABLE 7

Comp. Ex. No. No. R^(a) R^(b) Physical Data 10 B9 Br —CH(CH₃)₂ mp. 184° C. 12 B11 CH₃ —CH₃ mp. 114° C. 58 B7 CH₃ —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(R)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. 60° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (5.20 mg/1 ml in methanol) = −131.15 67 B9 CH₃ —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(S)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. 91° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (4.50 mg/1 ml in methanol) = +126.44 68 B9 CH₃ —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(R)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. 60° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (5.42 mg/1 ml in methanol) = +62.18 69 B9 Br —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(S)]; mp. 70° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (4.78 mg/1 ml in methanol) = +133.26 70 B9 Br —CH(CH₃)₂ [(A),(R)]; mp. 60° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (5.43 mg/1 ml in methanol) = +66.85 71 B9 Br —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(R)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. 60° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (5.08 mg/1 ml in methanol) = −136.02 72 B9 Br —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(S)]; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (5.00 mg/1 ml in methanol) = −58.00 73 B9 CH₃ —CH(CH₃)₂ [(B),(S)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. 60° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (4.37 mg/1 ml in methanol) = −60.18 74 B9 CH₃ —CH₃ [(A),(R)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. 70° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (5.00 mg/1 ml in methanol) = +73.00 75 B9 CH₃ —CH₃ [(A),(S)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. <50° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (4.60 mg/1 ml in methanol) = +126.52 76 B9 CH₃ —CH₃ [(B),(S)]; H₂O (1:1); mp. <50° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (4.69 mg/1 ml in methanol) = −57.78 77 B9 CH₃ —CH₃ [(B),(R)]; H₂O (1:2); mp. <50° C.; [α]₂₀ ^(D) (4.74 mg/1 ml in methanol) = −127.64 83 B11 CH₃ —CH(CH₃)₂ mp. 110° C. (A) indicates the first isolated stereoisomeric form (B) indicates the second isolated stereoisomeric form

TABLE 8

Comp. Ex. No. No. b R^(a) R^(b) R^(c) R^(d) Physical Data 14 B13 CH CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—C₂H₅ H H 84 B13 CH CH₃ —[(CH₂)₂—O]₂—CH₃ H H 85 B13 CH phenyl —C₂H₄—O—C₂H₅ H H 86 B13 CH CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ H H 87 B7 CH Br CH₂—CH₃ H CH₃ H₂O; mp. 60° C. 88 B13 CH CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ Cl CH₃ HCl(1:3)/H₂O(1:3) 89 B13 N CH₃ —C₂H₄—O—CH₃ H CH₃ C. Pharmacological Example

EXAMPLE C1 In vitro Screening for Activity Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The percent protection against cytopathology caused by viruses (antiviral activity or IC₅₀) achieved by tested compounds and their cytotoxicity (CC₅₀) were both calculated from dose-response curves. The selectivity of the antiviral effect is represented by the selectivity index (SI), calculated by dividing the CC₅₀ (cytotoxic dose for 50% of the cells) by the IC₅₀ (antiviral activity for 50% of the cells).

Automated tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays were used for determination of IC₅₀ and CC₅₀ of test compounds. Flat-bottom, 96-well plastic microtiter trays were filled with 180 μl of Eagle's Basal Medium, supplemented with 5% FCS (0% for FLU) and 20 mM Hepes buffer. Subsequently, stock solutions (7.8× final test concentration) of compounds were added in 45 μl volumes to a series of triplicate wells so as to allow simultaneous evaluation of their effects on virus- and mock-infected cells. Five five-fold dilutions were made directly in the microtiter trays using a robot system. Untreated virus controls, and HeLa cell controls were included in each test. Approximately 100 TCID₅₀ of Respiratory Syncytial Virus was added to two of the three rows in a volume of 50 μl. The same volume of medium was added to the third row to measure the cytotoxicity of the compounds at the same concentrations as those used to measure the antiviral activity. After two hours of incubation, a suspension (4×10⁵ cells/ml) of HeLa cells was added to all wells in a volume of 50 μl. The cultures were incubated at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. Seven days after infection the cytotoxicity and the antiviral activity was examined spectrophotometrically. To each well of the microtiter tray, 25 μl of a solution of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was added. The trays were further incubated at 37° C. for 2 hours, after which the medium was removed from each cup. Solubilization of the formazan crystals was achieved by adding 100 μl 2-propanol. Complete dissolution of the formazan crystals were obtained after the trays have been placed on a plate shaker for 10 min. Finally, the absorbances were read in an eight-channel computer-controlled photometer (Multiskan MCC, Flow Laboratories) at two wavelengths (540 and 690 nm). The absorbance measured at 690 nm was automatically subtracted from the absorbance at 540 nm, so as to eliminate the effects of non-specific absorption.

Particular IC₅₀, CC₅₀ and SI values are listed in Table 9 hereinbelow. TABLE 9 Co. No. IC₅₀ (μM) CC₅₀ (μM) SI 87 0.00032 10.12 31623 10 0.0006 37.86 63096 88 0.002 20 10000 67 0.004 63.40 15849 13 0.0126 >100.08 >7943 58 0.0501 79.41 1585 11 0.1259 9.95 79 80 1.2589 >99.45 >79 

1. A compound of formula

an addition salt or stereochemically isomeric form thereof wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); wherein each hydrogen atom in the radical (a-2) may optionally be replaced by halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, nitro, amino, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, carboxyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, or a radical of formula

wherein Z is O, CH—C(═O)—NR^(5a)R^(5b), CH₂, CH—C₁₋₆alkyl, N—OH or N—O—C₁₋₆alkyl; Q is a radical of formula

wherein Y¹ is a bivalent radical of formula —NR²— or —CH(NR²R⁴)—; X¹ is NR⁴, S, S(═O), S(═O)₂, O, CH₂, C(═O), C(═CH₂), CH(OH), CH(CH₃), CH(OCH₃), CH(SCH₃), CH(NR^(5a)R^(5b)), CH₂—NR⁴ or NR⁴—CH₂; X² is a direct bond, CH₂, C(═O), NR⁴, C₁₋₄alkyl-NR⁴, NR⁴—C₁₋₄alkyl; u is 2 or 3; v is 2; and whereby each hydrogen atom in the carbocycles and the heterocycles defined in radicals (b-4), (b-5), and (b-6) may optionally be replaced by R³; with the proviso that when R³ is hydroxy or C₁₋₆alkyloxy, then R³ can not replace a hydrogen atom in the a position relative to a nitrogen atom; G is C₁₋₁₀alkanediyl substituted with one or more hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylthio, arylC₁₋₆alkylthio, HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy (—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—; R¹ is a monocyclic heterocycle or aryl; said heterocycle being selected from piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl; and each heterocycle may optionally be substituted with 1 or where possible more-substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, amino, cyano, carboxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆alkyl, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁₋₆alkyl-SO₂—NR^(5c)—, aryl-SO₂—NR^(5c)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, —C(═O)—NR^(5c)R^(5d), HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, halo(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— and mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n); each n independently is 1, 2, 3 or 4; R² is hydrogen, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, Hetcarbonyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl substituted with N(R⁶)₂, or C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with N(R⁶)₂ and optionally with a second, third or fourth substituent selected from amino, hydroxy, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₅alkanediyl, piperidinyl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonylamino, aryl and aryloxy; R³ is hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, arylC₁₋₆alkyl or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy; R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or arylC₁₋₆alkyl; R^(5a), R^(5b), R^(5c) and R^(5d) each independently are hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl; or R^(5a) and R^(5b), or R^(5c) and R^(5d) taken together form a bivalent radical of formula —(CH₂)_(n)— wherein s is 4 or 5; R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, formyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1 or more-substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, and C₁₋₆alkyloxy; and Het is pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, or pyridazinyl.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with halo, C₁₋₆alkyl or C₁₋₄alkyloxy; or pyridyl optionally substituted with 1 or more substituents selected from arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, mono-or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, C(═O)—NR^(5c)R^(5d), halo or C₁₋₆alkyl.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein G is C₁₋₄alkanediyl substituted with hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, C₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)— or arylC₁₋₆alkyloxy(-CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Q is a radical of formula (b-5) wherein v is 2 and Y¹ is —NR²—.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X¹ is NH or CH₂.
 7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with NHR⁶ wherein R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl.
 8. (canceled)
 9. A method of treating a respiratory syncytial viral infection, comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1, 3 to
 7. 10. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and as active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1, 3 to
 7. 11. A process of preparing a composition as claimed in claim 10, comprising the step of intimately mixing said carrier with said compound. 12-14. (canceled)
 15. A process of preparing a compound as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one step selected from the group consisting of: a) reacting an intermediate of formula (II-a) or (II-b) with an intermediate of formula (III)

with R¹, G, Q and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and W₁ being a leaving group, in the presence of a base and in a reaction-inert solvent; b) deprotecting an intermediate of formula (IV)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, H-Q₁ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is hydrogen, and P being a protective group; c) deprotecting and reducing an intermediate of formula (IV-a)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, H-Q₁ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is hydrogen, Q_(1a)(CH═CH) being defined as Q₁ provided that Q₁ comprises an unsaturated bond, and P being a protective group; d) deprotecting an intermediate of formula (V)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H₂N-Q₂ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that both R⁶ substituents are hydrogen or R² and R⁴ are both hydrogen; e) deprotecting an intermediate of formula (VI)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H₂N-Q₂ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that both R⁶ substituents are hydrogen or R² and R⁴ are both hydrogen, and P being a protective group; f) deprotecting an intermediate of formula (VII) or (VIII)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, H-Q_(1′)(OH) being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is hydrogen and provided that Q comprises a hydroxy moiety, H₂N-Q_(2′)(OH) being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that both R⁶ substituents are hydrogen or R² and R⁴ are both hydrogen and provided that Q comprises a hydroxy moiety, and P being a protective group; g) amination of an intermediate of formula (IX)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H₂N-Q₃H being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that both R⁶ substituents are hydrogen or R² and R⁴ are both hydrogen, and the carbon adjacent to the nitrogen carrying the R⁶, or R² and R⁴ substituents contains at least one hydrogen, in the presence of an amination reagent; h) reducing an intermediate of formula (X)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H₂N—CH₂-Q₄ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that Q comprises a —CH₂—NH₂ moiety, in the presence of a reducing agent; i) reducing an intermediate of formula (X-a)

with G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, H₂N—CH₂-Q₄ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that Q comprises a —CH₂—NH₂ moiety, and R^(1′) being defined as R¹ according to claim 1 provided that it comprises at least one substituent, in the presence of a reducing agent and solvent; j) amination of an intermediate of formula (XI)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H₂N—CH₂—CHOH—CH₂-Q₄ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that Q comprises a CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—NH₂ moiety, in the presence of an amination reagent; k) reacting an intermediate of formula (XII) with formic acid, formamide and ammonia

with R¹, G, and -a²=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H—C(═O)-Q₁ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is formyl; l) amination of an intermediate of formula (XIII) by reaction with an intermediate of formula (XIV)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and R^(2a)—NH—HQ₅ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² is other than hydrogen and is represented by R^(2a), R⁴ is hydrogen, and the carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom carrying the R² and R⁴ substituents, carries also at least one hydrogen atom, in the presence of a reducing agent; m) reducing an intermediate of formula (XV)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and (R⁶)₂N—[(C₁₋₉alkyl)CH₂OH]—NH—HQ₅ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² is other than hydrogen and is represented by C₁₋₁₀alkyl substituted with N(R₆)₂ and with hydroxy, and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy, carries also two hydrogen atoms, and provided that R⁴ is hydrogen, and the carbon atom adjacent to the nitrogen atom carrying the R² and R⁴ substituents, carries also at least one hydrogen atom, with a reducing agent; n) deprotecting an intermediate of formula (XVI), (XVI-a) or (XVI-b)

with G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H-Q₁ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that R² or at least one R⁶ substituent is hydrogen, and R¹a(A-O—H)_(w), R^(1a′)-(A-O—H)₂ and R^(1a″)-(A-O—H)₃ being defined as R¹ according to claim 1 provided that R¹ is substituted with hydroxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, or HO(—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—, with w being an integer from 1 to 4 and P or P₁ being a protecting group, with an acid; o) amination of an intermediate of formula (XVII)

with R¹, G, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴-, Alk, X¹ R² and R⁴ defined as in claim 1, in the presence of an amination agent; p) amination of an intermediate of formula (XIX)

with R¹, G, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and Q₆N—CH₂—C₁₋₃alkyl-NR⁴ being defined as Q according to claim 1 provided that in the definition of Q, X² is C₂₋₄alkyl-NR⁴, in the presence of an amination agent; q) deprotecting an intermediate of formula (XXI)

with R¹, Q, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and HO-G₁ being defined as G according to claim 1 provided that G is substituted with hydroxy or HO—(CH₂CH₂O—)_(n); and r) reducing an intermediate of formula (XXII)

with R¹, Q, and -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- defined as in claim 1, and H-G₂-OH being defined as G according to claim 1 provided that G is substituted with hydroxy and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy substituent carries also at least one hydrogen, in the presence of a reducing agent. 16-17. (canceled)
 18. The process of claim 15, further comprising the step of converting said compound of formula (I) into a therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt by treatment with an acid.
 19. The process of claim 15, further comprising the step of converting said compound of formula (I) into a therapeutically active non-toxic base addition salt by treatment with alkali.
 20. The process of claim 15, further comprising the step of converting the acid addition salt form of compound of formula (I), or stereochemically isomeric forms, thereof, into the free base by treatment with alkali.
 21. The process of claim 15, further comprising the step of converting the base addition salt form of compound of formula (I), or stereochemically isomeric forms, thereof, into the free acid by treatment with acid.
 22. The process of claim 15, further comprising the step of converting said compound of formula (I), or stereochemically isomeric form thereof, into a different stereochemically isomeric form of said compound of formula (I).
 23. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is N-[1-(2-amino-3-methylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-3-[(2-methoxyethoxy)(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]-7-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-amine.
 24. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is 1-phenyl-2-[2-(piperidin-4-ylamino)-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl]-ethanol.
 25. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is 1-phenyl-2-(2-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)-ethanol. 